Anyone with emetophobia or other health-related ocd?
So I have pretty severe emetophobia, the fear of vomit. It controls my life and as a result I have ocd-type obsessions and compulsions ... checking expiration dates, refusing to eat anything that looks weird to me even if its actually perfectly fine, I carry anti-nausea meds with me, do lots of hand washing and hand sanitizer. Food is my biggest fear for sure, I dont cook because Im scared Ill do it wrong, I dont eat at restaurants except a few deemed safe, I pretty much stick to the same few safe foods over and over.
I misinterpret every bodily sensation. Feeling dizzy? Too hot, too hold? A headache? A backache? A gurgle in the stomach? Any change in bowel movements? Any of these and more, I misinterpret as signs that I am ill and going to vomit.
Just wondering if there is anyone else out there in my boat.
That sounds like it's really tough to deal with and it's impacting your life a lot. It's been a while since you posted this - how are you doing now? Have you found any ways to cope with those fears?
I am definitely an emetophobe and have suffered from this fear since I was 7. It was much worse when I was a kid, but now it's gotten a bit less intense and I can cope better with vomiting.
It's still hard though and I guess vomiting will always feel terrifying to me.
I have also self diagnosed myself with Pure O OCD and have obsessive fears of falling out of love with those I am in love with and having anxiety ruin a special moment.
I guess this is all a results from a deep fear of losing control! XD
